4 Goal Zero Yeti 400 Alternatives For The Smart Solar User

Writing about the Goal Zero Yeti 400 alternatives for the smart user this morning, if you ask us, is something we’ll rather not be doing.

Why? You may ask.

The reason is simple and straightforward: Goal Zero produces some of the best portable solar generators in the world today and the Yeti 400 is the best selling model of the company.

So, why would anyone be eager to publish a post detailing the alternatives of the best selling portable solar generator made by the foremost company in the business of clean, portable solar energy today?

Again, the reason is quite simple: our readers right here on this site asked us to.

So, if you’re amongst those who are interested in the alternatives of the Goal Zero’s Yeti 400, sit tight and read on. We have 4 badass options that you can opt for instead of the (immensely) popular Yeti 400.

First things first though: why would anyone ask for an alternative to the Yeti 400 in the first place?

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Why Would Anyone Ask For An Alternative To The Yeti 400?

In as much as Goal Zero is the clear market leader in the portable solar generator niche, there are still many reasons why a reader, user or even you would desire an alternative to its best selling model, the Yeti 400.

Listed below are some of the most valid of such reasons:

1. Hatred For The Goal Zero Brand!

For some solar generator users, Goal Zero can always go to hell – even if it is the very best in the world or the only option currently at their disposal.

Such persons include, former employees (who did not leave the company for great reasons), present or former competitors, those who do not like either the founder of the company (or the parent company that recently acquired it) and those who do not like the values and what Goal Zero stands for as a whole.

2. Realization That The Yeti 400 Cannot Deliver On A (Particular) Task Or Need

For other portable solar generator users that seek an alternative away from Goal Zero’s Yeti 400, they have another reason quite distinct from mere dislike, hate or a grudge/set of grudges: it’s the fact and cold reality that the Yeti 400 cannot deliver on their tasks or service their needs in the manner they desire or expect.

For instance, users who loved a lithium-ion powered portable solar generator, were (until very recently) looking elsewhere – and right away from the stables of Goal Zero as it did not have such an option at the time.

Others users who are interested in jump-starting the batteries of their cars must, of necessity, ignore Goal Zero and specifically, the Yeti 400.

Further, users and readers who would appreciate to have a portable power station that is weather proof will need to look beyond both the entire Goal Zero brand and particularly, the Yeti 400 model.

Yet still, users and readers who are also interested in the ability to manage their solar generators remotely via apps will also be disappointed with Goal Zero’s Yeti 400 since the model and the brand as a whole do not, at the moment, offer that functionality.

Unto to the third, broad reason to see an alternative from Yeti 400.

3. Unavailability Of The Goal Zero Brand Or The Yeti Series Locally

If you live in the US, this may not be an issue for you – you may thus conveniently skip over and take a look at the next point.

However, if you live outside the US, you’ll confirm that many sellers on Amazon do not ship internationally, especially when the order is for products such as solar generators.

Now, the stark reality of this is that, if you’re caught in this manner of web (and Goal Zero won’t ship to your country of residence) your best option is to simply opt for an alternative that does.

This will mean taking a long and close look at the alternatives that we’re going to be mentioning right below here.

4. Other Personal (Hard To Guess Or Imagine) Reasons

In as much as we are experts at portable solar power, we cannot possibly know all the reasons why you (or any other user/reader) would need an alternative to the Yeti 400 portable solar generator.

These reasons could range from the super logical (such as the fact of the capacity of the 400 being too small) right to the super emotional (such as not loving the manner the Yeti 400 is designed).

Whatever such a reason may be, believe us, it is the person who harbors them (or you, if you’re the one) that can authoritatively decide why he/she would rather opt for an alternative to the Yeti 400 (than bother with the substantive generator directly).

Having finished taking a look the various reasons why you may need to look away from the Yeti 400 and consider another alternative for your portable solar energy needs, let’s now take a brief look at the Goal Zero Yeti 400 portable solar generator directly and see what the generator is in itself.

A Brief Look At The Goal Zero Yeti 400

The Yeti 400 is a medium sized portable solar generator that weighs about 29 pounds (13.2 kg) and is capable of powering laptops, TVs and most small to medium sized gadgets and devices.

Its 33Ah battery churns out an impressive 400Wh of power and is itself, recharged by solar panels, the grid (via a normal wall socket) or the 12v cigarette lighter port of your normal, regular car.

For a thorough look at the specs and features of this generator as a whole, kindly take a look at our Goal Zero Yeti 400 Review.

For now, let’s simply state some quick specs and features and proceed to the main business of the day.

If you prefer a quick video however, here is it:

Quick Features And Specs Of The Goal Zero Yeti 400

4 Goal Zero Yeti 400 Alternatives For The Smart Solar User

The options listed below as smart alternatives for the Goal Zero Yeti 400 are listed in a random manner.

To get what alternative is right for you, kindly take a close look at the functions, features and specs that such a generator spots that the Yeti 400 does not.

That is the best way to pick up or select the smartest alternative there is in the market today for you.

Let’s fire 🙂

1. Goal Zero Yeti 400 Lithium

Don’t be surprised that the very first alternative to the Yeti 400 is another Yeti – the Goal Zero Yeti 400 Lithium.

The reason for this is pretty straightforward: the Yeti 400 lithium is simply the closest alternative to the Yeti 400 there is in the market at the moment.

It also helps to know that the Yeti 400 Lithium was meant to completely replace the Yeti 400.

That not withstanding however, the two generators have a lot to share and actually, very little actually distinguishes the two power stations from each other.

The cardinal (and most noticeable) difference between the two solar powered generators is the fact that, one (the older, Yeti 400 which we’re seriously looking for alternatives here) deploys a lead acid battery while the newer replacement and viable alternative, the Yeti 400 lithium is powered by a lithium-ion battery.

Other changes are a bit cosmetic and minor…however, you cannot fail but notice the awesome new look that the generator spots – a complete departure from the old style.

Features And Specs Of The Yeti 400 Lithium

• Battery Capacity: 428Wh (10.8V, 39.6Ah).
• Power Output: USB (3x), 12V, AC (2x).
• Weight: 17 lbs (7.7 kg).
• Rechargeable by: Wall (AC) or Solar.
• Ideal for: Tablets, Laptops, Mini Fridge, TV, Backup, Emergency, Medical, Lights.

The Distinct Advantages Of The Yeti 400 Lithium That Makes It A Viable Alternative To The Yeti 400

Here are the distinct advantages that the Yeti 400 lithium has over the ordinary Yeti 400 – making it a viable alternative.

If any of these strike you as cardinal, you should be on the way to pick up yours so as to tap right into the options and tech that the lithium sibling of the Yeti 400 offers.

i. Lithium Ion Battery

The Yeti 400 lithium is powered by a lithium-ion battery while the Yeti 400 is powered by an ordinary lead acid battery.

If you hate the Yeti 400 because of its lead acid battery, this is certainly a smart alternative for you.

It is also worthy of note to understand that the new lithium ion battery that powers the Yeti 400 lithium is more powerful and ensures more Watt Hour than its predecessor, the lead acid option that powers the Yeti 400.

ii. Weight Advantage

The Yeti 400 weighs a handy 29 lbs (13.2 kg).

While this may not be much for some users, for most users, especially females, this is some serious weight that they would rather dump at home and take on something lighter, especially for a camp or hike.

If you’re such a user, the super light 17 lbs (7.7 kg) of the Yeti 400 lithium should be a welcomed and smart development – especially since the difference in the weight is almost an impressive 100%!

iii. Battery Capacity

The Yeti 400 under discussion here has a battery of that is rated at 33Ah and churns out 400Wh at 12V.

While this may be sufficient for your power needs, for some users, it is just barely manageable.

If you’re such a user, the rating of the Yeti 400 lithium’s battery should be encouraging and should push you further by ensuring that you have fun longer, complete your favorite movie and importantly, finish that research paper, if you’re writing one.

The battery is rated at 39.6Ah raw capacity churning out 428Wh of power at 10.8V.

Interested in the Yeti 400 lithium as an alternative to the Yeti 400? Click here to take a more detailed look at the generator on Amazon.

2. Kalisaya KP601 Portable Solar Generator

Here, we have yet another alternative to the Yeti 400 for users and readers who are not very comfortable with the fact that the first suggested alternative is also a generator from the stables of Goal Zero 🙂

This alternative is the Kalisaya KP601 portable solar generator  – and it is currently the world’s most impressive portable power station when it comes to the reality of factoring the energy-weight ratios of solar power stations.

What this means is that, there is currently no other portable solar generator (or any other solar generator type for that matter) in the world now that outputs as much power as the Kalisaya KP601 and weighs less than it!

Period.

For users/readers who sincerely love the Yeti 400 but passionately hate its weight and would prefer something feather-light, this is the perfect option.

An option, it must be noted, cannot be got anywhere else either online or off.

The greatest appeal of the KP 601 however remains its myriad of tech applications and reality – something that seriously appeals to geeks and the tech savvy who consider the 400 basic and a little boring 🙂

Let’s take a look at features and specs of the Kalisaya KP601 and see exactly the stuff it is made of.

Features And Specs Of The Kalisaya KP601

• Battery Capacity: 558Wh (12V, 38Ah).
• Power Output: USB (4x), 12V DC Ports (2x).
• Weight: 14 lbs (6.3 kg).
• Rechargeable by: Wall (AC), DC (12V vehicle cigarette lighter port) and solar.
• Ideal for: Tablets, laptops and cellphones.
• Remote system monitoring and control via iOS and Android smartphone app.
• Includes solar panel.

The Distinct Advantages Of The Kalisaya KP601 That Makes It A Viable Alternative To The Yeti 400

This is the interesting part: what exactly are the features of the KP601 that makes it a viable alternative to the Yeti 400?

Let’s find out 🙂

i. Weight Advantage

The KaliPAK models from Kalisaya (KaliPAK is the brand name of the the 601) are famously known for 1 thing: they are light and easy on the hands or back – wherever you happen to be carrying them.

This, plus the fact that these series have the best energy to weight ratio you can find amongst these generators makes them the perfect choice for campers and hikers who are interested in something super light for their tasks away from civilization.

In particular, the KP601 weighs only 14lbs as against the 20lbs of the Yeti 400.

On a trail, during a hike or on the way back from the camp when everyone is hungry and exhausted, this can mean a whole lot of difference 🙂

ii. Remote Operation Capability

The KP601 is again, the only potable solar generator in the whole wide world that is capable of being managed remotely at the moment.

With the dedicated apps for both Android and iOS platforms, this solar generator can be managed and commanded to do just anything according to the wishes of its user.

To make this advantage stick home, the app works and the remote operation/control can take place even when you decide to close the generator up or put it into its optional weather-proof coat.

Now, if you’re a tech savvy user who enjoys such power and flexibility as remote control operations, you’ll be amazed by the fact that the Yeti 400 is a very poor comparison when compared side by side with the KP601.

Accordingly, users and readers who do not like or love the Yeti 400 based on the fact that it has less tech features (like remote controlled operations) than they currently appreciate, will easily praise the KP601 to the high heavens 🙂

iii. More Power & Run-Time

Another quick, smart advantage of the KP601 that makes it such a smart alternative to the Yeti 400 is the fact that the KP601 sports more power that translates to a longer runtime.

This reality is derived from the fact that the battery of the KP601 churns out an impressive 558Wh of energy from a 38Ah lithium-ion battery as against the 400Wh of power from the 33Ah battery that the Yeti 400 ensures.

With more power translating to more run time, you simply get more things going for way much longer.

If you’re in the desert or at the edge of the world, far away from the grid, this is a plus that you’ll be happy you have on your side.

iv. Weather Proof Reality

Sometimes, the elements simply ‘misbehave’ at will – leaving you stranded and your portable solar power source at risk of kicking the bucket.

The Yeti 400 suffers from this vulnerability particularly: if you’re caught in a heavy downpour or are at the receiving end of a hail of snow, only pure luck will ensure that your generator still works in a normal fashion and as expected.

With the KaliPAK – particularly the KP601, this is something that simply cannot happen as there is an optional raincoat for the generator (sold separately) that could be brilliantly deployed to protect the generator from the elements in a most brilliant, waterproof fashion.

The interesting thing about this raincoat is that, whilst your generator is in secured in it, you can still run the generator and conveniently power your gadget or devices.

If you’re a user who is always in the wild or in places where power is needed frequently and adequate shelter is a challenge, you’ll find out that nothing serves as an alternative to Goal Zero’s Yeti 400 better than the KP601 from Kalisaya.

v. Ultra Portability

Another reason to consider the KP601 as a viable alternative to the Yeti 400 is the fact of its portability.

Aside being light and relatively small, the KP601 can be carried in a plethora of fashions – ranging from holding in like a bag in the hands, slinging it on the shoulders or tapping it right on the back in a typical backpack manner.

The (added) joy of this ultra portable reality is that, gadgets and other devices can be comfortably connected to the generator and charged when it is being carried from place to place in whatever manner, you, the user pleases.

This reality or style will be extremely difficult to carryout or execute with a Goal Zero Yeti 400 since it is configured to be simply held by the hand and not tapped to the back or slung over the shoulders like the KP601.

Imagine climbing a mountain with something in one hand!

vi. Presence Of A Lithium Ion Battery (Instead Of Lead Acid)

Lead acid batteries are getting out of fashion for many users. Today, most users of solar generators actually look forward to models that are powered by lithium-ion technology.

If you’re one of such users, then, you’ve got another point with which to consider the KP601 a viable alternative to the Yeti 400.

The advantages of lithium-ion batteries, you must note, are as many as they are varied with the greatest ones being its ability to discharge 100%, return more cycle charges than lead acid and importantly, ensure a lighter weight when compared to its lead acid cousins.

Now that you’ve seen how the KP601 compares to the Yeti 400, you can take a more detailed look at Amazon to see more of its features, reviews and importantly, customer feedback to decide if you’ll order one immediately 🙂

Or, if you’ll prefer more info at our site here, kindly read, enjoy and digest our Kalisaya KP601 Review instead.

3. Kalisaya KP401 Portable Solar Generator

The Kalisaya KP401 is from the same manufacturer as the KP601 and as a matter of fact, shares almost every feature of the KP601 except raw power and capacity.

Being of lesser power and ability when compared to the KP601, it is also cheaper – and more budget friendly 🙂

If finance was your main challenge/reason for abandoning the idea of the bigger and more impressive KP601, this is an option you should take serious by all means.

As for all other information relating to the generator, kindly take a close and interested look at the details chronicled for the KP601 above – as everything (save the capacity and raw power) has been carried over.

As for its exact specs and features, kindly scroll down.

Features And Specs Of The Kalisaya KP401

• Battery Capacity: 384Wh (12V, 26Ah).
• Power Output: USB (4x), 12V DC Ports (2x).
• Weight: 13 lbs (5.8 kg).
• Rechargeable by: Wall (AC), DC (12V vehicle cigarette lighter port) and solar.
• Ideal for: Tablets, laptops, cameras and cellphones.
• Remote system monitoring and control via iOS and Android smartphone app.
• Includes solar panel.

The Distinct Advantages Of The Kalisaya KP401 That Makes It A Viable Alternative To The Yeti 400

All the distinct advantages of the Senior sibling of the KP401, the KP601 apply here. If you’ll appreciate a real good look, kindly scroll up and revisit that section of the Kalisaya KP601 above.

If on the other hand, what you want instead is to take a look at the Kalisaya KP401, savoring all its details up close, you’re encouraged to do that on Amazon by clicking here.

On Amazon, you’ll have the privilege of reading the reviews of actual users (like you would soon be) and importantly, will see the generator for what it truly is.

Here’s a wrap up video, detailing all the glory of the KaliPAK series – the model under which the KP601 and KP401 have been produced and released to the public.

Enjoy 🙂

4. Renogy Phoenix Portable Generator All-In-One Solar Kit

This is the 4th and last alternative to the Yeti 400 that we have featured in this article.

This does not in anyway, however, mean that this generator is inferior for coming up the rear: remember, this list isn’t ranked pe se.

However, the Renogy Phoenix Portable Generator All-In-One Solar Kit has some badass features that makes it truly unique and a viable alternative that makes the entire Yeti line green with REAL envy:

1. It is completely compact – and can be held in the manner a briefcase is carried.
2. This portable solar generator is waterproof – a reality no Yeti series has seen yet.
3. The Phoenix generator is made with military precision – and accordingly, is extremely durable. This makes it more reliable in extreme conditions, conditions the Yeti 400 is likely to break under.
4. Finally, this Phoenix is powered by a lithium-ion battery – which delivers better power and service than the traditional lead acid which the Yeti 400 runs on.

The greatest advantage of the Renogy Phoenix Portable Generator All-In-One Solar Kit is the fact that it fits perfectly with both the ‘corporate lifestyle’ and the ‘adventure lifestyle’.

This means that you can brilliantly carry your Renogy portable solar generator to work daily in a suit or on vacation in shorts – if and when the occasion demands for it; a flexibility that is very difficult to achieve with the Goal Zero’s Yeti 400.

Features And Specs Of The Renogy Phoenix Portable Generator All-In-One Solar Kit

• Battery Capacity: 12V, 16Ah.
• Power Output: USB (4x), 12V DC Ports (2x) 1 AC port.
• Weight: 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg).
• Rechargeable by: Wall (AC), DC (12V vehicle cigarette lighter port) and solar.
• Ideal for: Tablets, laptops, cameras and cellphones.
• Waterproof and manufactured to meet military specification and durability.
• Features a 20w built-in standard solar panel.

The Distinct Advantages Of The Renogy Phoenix Portable Generator All-In-One Solar Kit That Makes It A Viable Alternative To The Yeti 400

Let’s do this for a last time: what are the specific advantages the Renogy Phoenix portable solar generator have over the Goal Zero Yeti 400?

Let’s take a super detailed and interested look.

Here:

i. Briefcase Design Reality

The Renogy Phoenix portable solar generator is the only solar generator on this list that is modeled after the briefcase fashion.

What this means is that, users can easily afford to carry the generator as they would a corporate bag.

This reality makes it easy for users who intend to use the generator in corporate circles to easily do so without meeting up and facing solid brick walls.

This translates to having a solar power station that is versatile, with an application that goes well beyond the beach and mere fun seeking.

If you hate the Yeti 400 on the ground that it does not ensure this flexibility for you, you should be thoroughly pleased with this Renogy.

ii. Standard Lithium Ion Battery

As stated over and over again, lithium-ion batteries are the new normal today: everybody seems to want them and the desire to own a generator with a lead acid battery is declining day by day.

If part of your reasons for hating the Goal Zero’s Yeti 400 bother on the fact that it does not come powered with a lithium-ion battery, you should be consoled that this Renogy alternative actually does.

The grand joy, however remains to the effect that all lithium-ion batteries are the same, irrespective of which manufacturer actually deploys them in a solar generator.

If you’re in love with lithium-ion, then, you’ll certainly see lithium-ion’s first class work here.

iii. Supreme Lightweight Reality

Because of the fact that the Renogy Phoenix portable solar generator deploys a lithium-ion battery (a battery type which is famously known to be very powerful while also being extremely light) and is properly designed, the solar generator is extremely light, weighing only about 12.8lbs (5.8kg).

Compared to the Yeti 400 (which weighs 29lbs – 13.2kg) this is a big difference being way more than 100%.

If you’re looking for an alternative to the Yeti model because of its weight, you certainly have one in this Renogy model – given that it is less than the standard weight of the Yeti 400 and brilliantly aces across both class and function.

iv. Water Resistant Reality

Finally, the last advantage that the Renogy Phoenix has over the Yeti 400 is that fact that it is designed in a water resistant manner or fashion.

For campers and lovers of the outdoors, this feature is not negotiable and as a matter of fact, is one of the very first they consider when looking for an awesome portable solar power station.

If part of your grudge with Goal Zero over the 400 is the fact that it isn’t weatherproof, you need to calm down this moment and instead, take a real good look at this alternative instead.

If the Renogy Phoenix Portable Generator All-In-One Solar Kit looks like an interesting alternative to the Yeti to you (which it is, by the way), take a detailed and interested look at it on Amazon where you can read reviews from customers and importantly, take a look at the features and specs we’ve discussed here firsthand.

How We Got These Goal Zero Yeti 400 Solar Generator Alternatives

We are die hard fans of Goal Zero and appreciate that the company makes one of the best portable solar generators on the planet today.

However, our love for the company or its products is not enough (and will forever remain insufficient) to stop us from thinking rationally and offering practical solutions when the need arises.

Part of this ‘solution process’ means addressing issues like this and providing practical alternatives to this beloved brand/model.

You must understand that, as already hinted above, despite the fact that Goal Zero makes good generators, these generators do not have every conceivable or desirable function (for everyone).

If you’ll thus like to know how we reached this ‘dissenting’ list (or are a staff of Goal Zero 🙂 ), here we are:

1. Personal Use And Experience

Ours is a mobile lifestyle which involves publishing, testing and printing which is facilitated most of the time half-way around the world.

In some of the regions where we live and work, power is a great challenge and it is not uncommon to experience a total black out from the grid for periods stretching to weeks or months.

Since we have to work everyday and don’t have that infinite patience, we have an array of mobile solar power stations, since the sun still shines virtually in every part of the world.

Having used the Yeti 400 personally and having used some of the generators on this list, personal experience comes in first as the source of our information and importantly, inspiration for this article.

2. Inputs Of Staff, Friends And Family

Personal experience can be limiting though: we could not lay our hands on all the models/brands in question here.

Accordingly, we had to rely on the inputs of our staff (at home), friends and family.

This formed the second source of how we reached our conclusions about these solar generators and the fact that they’re perfect alternatives to the Yeti 400.

However, in asking staff, friends and family for their opinion about what solar generators constitute the smartest alternatives for the Yeti 400, we made certain that only staff, friends or family that had previously owned a Yeti 400 or at least, used one for a considerable amount of time were considered.

This was done to ensure that their opinions were valid, non-bias and importantly, authentic.

3. Thorough Review And Comparisons Online

Finally, in instances where we could not afford both the first and second option above, we resorted to online reviews and critically took a look at more than 15 models, eliminating them one after the other with set metrics to arrive at true contenders.

While this would ordinarily prove to be a challenge to others who are not professionals in the field, we did not find it at all tasking given the fact that we’re very versed with solar portable power stations and importantly, had actual customer reviews and the raw specs and features of the each contending generator to take a good look at and decide.

Now that you’ve seen how we came about this list, let’s see what you’re supposed to do – or should do, if you do not love our suggested alternatives to the Yeti 400 solar generator from Goal Zero.

What To Do If You Don’t Like These Yeti 400 Alternatives

Now, after all this, it is very possible that you will still not be impressed with the options we have diligently researched and presented here.

In such a rare instance, you have 2 smart options from which to choose from.

1. Kindly check on our review of the best portable solar power stations currently available today. Great chances are that you’ll find what you’re looking for there.
2. However, should that prove inadequate, kindly check on Amazon directly.  On the most impressive retail platform in the entire world, we’re dead certain that you’ll certainly get an alternative of the Yeti 400 that is worth both your time and task.

Wrap Up

Documenting the various alternatives to the Goal Zero Yeti 400 has been both a hectic and exciting task.

However, at just under 5,000 words, this article is officially over and done with 🙂

Just remember that there are 4 awesome alternatives mentioned here and if you’re not satisfied, kindly make recourse to the section immediately above.

The options are:

1. The Goal Zero Yeti 400 Lithium.
2. The Kalisaya KP601.
3. The Kalisaya KP 401 and
4. The Renogy Phoenix Portable Generator All-In-One Solar Kit.

Sincerely, we wish you the best of solar power as you pick on a smart alternative to the 400 and not only that: we wish that you enjoy it thoroughly.

Remember too that if looked upon and maintained carefully, all the portable solar generators mentioned and reviewed here can practically last a lifetime.

Ins’t that an awesome plus?